Page 1 of 9 Canine Consultants INTRODUCTION: Canine Intelligence Academy (CIA) is a privately owned dog training company that provides dog training consulting to individuals and families in manners, obedience, and social-skill building for their dog. CIA also specializes in helping disabled people develop or improve public access skills that will enhance their assistance/service dog team effectiveness. Privately trained does not imply that a service dog team is poorly trained and not deserving of evaluation for public access, quite the contrary. At the present time there are not many options available for disabled people that have privately trained their service dog and now want to get evaluated for public access. Though there are several organizations that advertise that they will evaluate a service dog sight unseen, for a fee, we do not believe this to be a desirable solution. In fact, this provides no assurance to the public that the dog is indeed safe and in keeping with established standards of service dog behavior. At CIA we recognize the hard work that many service dog teams put into their training and have established this evaluation test to provide an alternative avenue for assessing a well trained and deserving service dog team. PURPOSE OF TEST: The purpose of this Public Access Evaluation Test is to ensure that within the public access arena, the dog is stable and well-behaved and the handler is calm and has control over the dog. The significance of the test as a whole is to provide a guide for evaluating the handler and dog s ability for mastering the many challenges in the public access arena. Test criteria will be adhered to as closely as possible and take into account the physical/mobility capability of the handler or dog. If modifications are necessary, they will be noted in the space provided at the end of the exam. This test does not have to be completed within one day or at one location, but must be completed within one month of the tests initial start date. This evaluation test is NOT intended to assess a disability-related skill or task of the dog. DISQUALIFYING BEHAVIORS : A dog that displays any boisterous or aggressive behavior (growling, biting, raising hackles, showing teeth, lunging, inappropriate elimination, etc.) is not ready for public access work and testing will not continue. MAIN EVALUATION OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this evaluation test is that the handler demonstrates their ability to control of the dog in a variety of public situation at all times and the dog demonstrates in a public arena that he/she is stable, well-behaved, has good obedience skills, and is unobtrusive in public.
TESTING EQUIPMENT: All testing of the dog and handler shall be done with any equipment appropriate to the needs and abilities of the team (e.g. vest, harness, training collar, dog carrier, sling, scooter, wheel chair). Each dog shall be on-lead at all times except in the vehicle at which time it is optional. Retractable leashes are not allowed, they do not conform to leash laws in the majority of States; furthermore, a 15 foot lead does not allow for good control of the dog in a public place. Small dog breeds may be carried in the handler s arms, using a carrier, sling or other device when necessary; or for handlers using a wheelchair or scooter, the dog may sit on their lap or basket. The test will be given with the dog in their normal working position, and the dog should always appear comfortable and confident in that working position. Commands given to the dog may be verbal, or by hand signals, or a combination of both. TEST ENVIRONMENT: This test is to take place in a public setting, such as a mall, where there are a lot of people, exposure to food displays, aisles of merchandise, a sit down eating area and other natural distractions. The handler is encouraged to provide positive feedback and reassurance consistently to the dog throughout the evaluation test. It is also acceptable for the handler to offer some training treats at times. The handler may use small leash corrections, voice and/or hand signals for controlling and guiding the dog in a manner appropriate for a public setting. The handler should remember that they are ambassadors for service teams everywhere and shall be confident, courteous and respectful at all times. The dog may exhibit submissive behaviors, but its behavior cannot interfere with the handler s or public s safety. The dog shall be well groomed and not have an offensive odor. The evaluator will explain the test thoroughly beforehand and then follow discreetly to observe. Liability Disclaimer Upon passing this Public Access Evaluation Test, the evaluator, on behalf of CIA shall verify that at the time of the evaluation test the team met all minimum standards as required. In no way does this constitute a guarantee that the team will function flawlessly at all times.cia is not responsible for any problems that may occur in the future. The handler is solely responsible at all times for any damages caused by his/her service dog to persons, property, premises and/or facilities. Page 2 of 9
MINUMUM REQUIREMENTS BEFORE TEST CAN BE ADMINISTRATED Dog is at least 18 months old. Dog appears healthy, well groomed and has no offensive odor. Vaccinations and local dog license are up-to-date. AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test completed when dog was at least one year old or older, and within two years of date of this evaluation test. Prior to the start of the evaluation test the dog s basic obedience (sit, down, stand, stay, come, leave it, acceptance of strangers, and walk with a loose leash) shall be evaluated by a Canine Intelligence Academy (CIA) evaluator. Completed log documenting a minimum of 180 hours of Public Access Training by the handler. Letter from doctor indicating the dog is a resource in the management of the handler s medical condition. EXERCISES EVALUATED AS PART OF TEST 1 - CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE: In a public setting this exercise will test the ability of handler and dog to unload from the handler s vehicle in the safest manner possible while remaining calm. Once the team is out of the vehicle and settled, an assistant will walk within six (6) feet of the team with another dog. The dog must remain calm and under control, not pulling or trying to get to the other dog. 2 - APPROACHING A BUILDING: In a public setting this exercise will test the dog s ability to display a relaxed attitude around cars or traffic noises, and the handler s ability to keep the dog calm and under control. The team shall maneuver through the parking lot to approach the building. The dog shall display a relaxed attitude around cars or traffic noises and the handler shall be calm and in control of the dog. Page 3 of 9
In the absence of any physical disability in the handler, the dog should walk alongside the handler on a loose leash. The dog may not forge ahead or lag behind, not pull on its leash, stop to sniff objects, greet other people, or eliminate while in transit, unless specifically cued to do so by the handler. Tiny or small breed dogs may be carried, though they should demonstrate the ability to walk on a loose leash in a safe area, as described above. To assist with mobility or visual impairments, a rigid-handled or other mobility harness may be used instead of a leash. In some cases, handlers with mobility issues may use a leash and have trained their dog to pull them forward. Obviously, a loose leash requirement in this instance is unnecessary, but the dog shall not stop to sniff objects, greet other people and shall stop when the handler stops. 3 - CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY: In a public setting this exercise will test the handler and dog s ability to negotiate the entry and exit of the building safely while the dog remains calm and under control. In the absence of any physical disability in the handler, the dog should enter the building via a door that the handler opens manually. This should be repeated using a door that opens automatically. When a handler s mobility is impaired, he/she may choose to forgo entry into the building using a manual door and instead use a designated accessible entrance and an electronic button for opening the door automatically. The dog should not rush ahead of the handler as the team enters the building, nor should the dog act startled when entry is through an automatic door. Small dogs may be carried if this is their usual working position. Upon entering the building the dog should continue to be on a loose leash without pulling and should not wander off or solicit attention from the public. The dog should wait quietly until the team is fully inside, then should calmly walk beside the individual. 4 - WALKING THROUGH A MALL OR STORE WITH DISTRACTIONS: This exercise will test the handler and dog s ability to be unobtrusive in public and the handler s ability to keep the dog calm and under control while walking within high distracted areas. Page 4 of 9
Inside the mall or building, the handler and the dog must walk around in a controlled manner with the dog on a loose leash (except for those situations where handlers with mobility issues using a leash have trained their dog to pull them forward; or small dog breeds which may be carried in the handler s arms). The dog should always be within touching distance of the handler and be aware of its surroundings, while at the same time remaining focused on the handler. Small dogs that are carried as their normal working position should sit quietly and calmly without attempting to get down from their designated place. The dog shall readily adjust to handler s speed changes, turn corners promptly, and travel through a crowded area without interacting with the public. In tight quarters, the dog must be able to get out of the way of obstacles and not damage merchandise by knocking it over or by trying to play with it. The dog should not be startled or appear frightened by shopping carts, baby strollers, and shoppers and the like. 5 - WALKING WITHIN GROCERY STORE: This exercise will test the dog s ability to not sniff any food products and be unobtrusive and the handler s ability to keep the dog calm and under control while walking within a high food distracted area. The handler should push a shopping cart, while the dog keeps pace alongside on a loose leash. For handlers with physical disabilities, a shopping cart may be replaced by a scooter or wheelchair, and the individual may require use of a harness or taunt leash. Tiny or small dogs carried in their normal working position should sit calmly and quietly without attempting to get down from their designated place. As the team moves through the store, the dog should not sniff any food products or people while moving through the aisles. Handler should be especially attentive when the team is near meat and cheese sections of the grocery store, as these represent the greatest olfactory temptation for a dog. While in the grocery store the dog should not interact with the public nor be fearful of the shopping carts or product displays as they move about. The dog should be aware of its surroundings, while at the same time remaining focused on the handler. Page 5 of 9
6 - ENTERING AND SITTING DOWN AT A RESTAURANT: This exercise will test the dog s ability to remain calm and not sniff or eat any food from the floor or table and be unobtrusive, and the handler s ability to keep the dog calm and under control while within the restaurant. The handler and dog shall enter a restaurant and wait to be seated at a table. The dog shall remain calm beside the handler while waiting and shall not at anytime lunge at any food or crumbs that may be on the floor or tables. The dog should go under the table and remain there calmly, quietly and not solicit attention for at least 10 minutes. If the setting will not permit the dog to fit under the table, then the dog should be placed in a down-stay next to the handler s chair and out of the way of other patrons and staff. The evaluator at the table will drop some food on the floor near the dog. The handler if required can instruct the dog to leave it and the dog should ignore the food. The handler shall not give any dog food / treats or share his/her food with the dog while they are inside the restaurant. 7 - ENTERING AND USING PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITIES This exercise will test the dog s ability to remain calm, quite, relaxed and not display any fear or anxiety around bathroom stalls and flushing noises, and the handler s ability to keep the dog calm and under control while within the public restroom. The dog should follow handler into the restroom stall, if physically possible. Small dogs may be carried if this is their usual working position. The dog should remain quiet and not squirm or attempt to escape from the restroom stall, nor should it peek into adjacent stalls. When the handler exits the stall the dog should follow without any hesitation. The dog should wait beside handler and remain calm and quiet while the handler washes his/her hands. 8 - ENTERING AND USING PUBLIC ELEVATOR This exercise will test the dog s ability to remain calm, quite, relaxed and not display any fear or anxiety with elevator operation and noises and the handler s ability to keep the dog calm and under control while within the elevator. Page 6 of 9
Dog should remain calm, maintain a loose leash and keep pace with handler while entering or exiting the elevator. Small dogs may be carried if this is their usual working position. During elevator operation the dog should remain calm, quite, relaxed and not display any fear or anxiety with elevator operation and noises. 9 - ESCALATOR Escalator work is not part of test because if not used correctly, a dog s paws could be seriously injured. Using the escalator requires confidence and synchronized approach on the part of the handler and dog. The risk of permanent injury is real and should be understood by the handler. Therefore, CIA recommends that teams use elevators or if handler is physically able use stairs. 10 - USING PUBLIC MASS TRANSIT This exercise will test the dog s ability to remain calm, quite, relaxed and not display any fear or anxiety with mass transit operation and noises and the handler s ability to keep the dog calm and under control while using public transportation. Dog should remain calm, maintain a loose leash and keep pace with handler while boarding or unloading from a bus, shuttle, taxi, or train. Small dogs may be carried if this is their usual working position. While riding on public mass transit the dog should remain calm, quite, relaxed and not display any fear or anxiety with mass transit operation and noises. 11 - USING STAIRS If physically possible for handler, the team shall ascend and descend both closed and open stairs. This exercise will test the dog s ability to remain relaxed and not display any fear or anxiety with going up or down closed or open stairs and the handler s ability to keep the dog relaxed and under control while using stairs. A - Closed Stairs While going up or down closed stairs dog remained relaxed and did not display any fear or anxiety with using closed stairs. Dog maintained a loose leash while keeping pace with handler going up or down closed stairs. Small dogs may be carried if this is their usual working position. Page 7 of 9
B - Open Stairs While going up or down open stairs dog remained relaxed and did not display any fear or anxiety with using opened stairs. Small dogs may be carried if this is their usual working position. Dog maintained a loose leash while keeping pace with handler going up or down opened stairs. 12 - WALKING ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF SURFACES In the course of travel out in the public with your dog you will likely encounter a variety of surfaces to walk on (gravel, rocks, cobblestones, sand, polished floors, tile, metal grating or sheeting, glass blocks, e.g.). In addition, handlers should consider training their dog to wear working booties. The working booties will protect the dog s paws if the team encounters rocky terrain or climate conditions that make walking surfaces extremely hot or covered with snow or ice. This exercise will test the dog s ability to remain relaxed and not display any fear or anxiety while walking on a variety of surfaces and the handler s ability to keep the dog relaxed and under control while traversing different types of surfaces. All service dogs, regardless of their normal working position, need to demonstrate their ability to walk confidently on a variety of surfaces. While walking on a variety of surfaces dog remained relaxed and did not display any fear or anxiety. Circle surface types tested: Gravel Rocks Cobblestones Sand Polished floors Tile Wood decking Metal grating Metal sheeting Glass blocks Others 13- SIT-STAY, DOWN-STAY AND RECALL IN A HIGHLY DISTRACTED AREA This exercise will test the dog s obedience, ability to remain relaxed, not display anxiety and not solicit attention and the handler s ability to keep the dog relaxed and under control in highly distracted situation. Page 8 of 9
SIT-STAY ON COMMAND: The handler will be asked to demonstrate their ability to put the dog in a sit-stay three different times. The dog must respond promptly each time with no more than two commands. A stranger or an assistant will be asked to walk around the dog. The dog may not break the sit-stay to solicit attention from the stranger. The handler may give verbal and physical corrections if the dog begins to break the sitstay. DOWN-STAY ON COMMAND: The handler will be asked to demonstrate their ability to put the dog in a down-stay three different times. The dog must respond promptly each time with no more than two commands. A stranger or an assistant will be asked to walk around the dog. The dog may not break the down-stay to solicit attention from the stranger. The handler may give verbal and physical corrections if the dog begins to break the down-stay. RECALL ON LEASH This part of the exercise will test the handler and dog s ability in an open area to perform a six foot and fifteen foot recall with the dog remaining on leash. The handler will sit the dog, leave it, travel to the end of the leash, then turn and call the dog. The dog should respond promptly and the recall should be smooth and deliberate without the dog soliciting attention from the public or take any detours along the way. The dog should come close enough to the individual to be readily touched. Page 9 of 9